Art, music, and nature

Baby Porcupine

I was blessed this morning when I spotted a baby Porcupine in the woods. The little one may have weighed two pounds. An interesting reality with Porcupines is how their defensive tactic is instinctively used at the approach of anything of potential danger. In this case that potential danger was me!!! Or, at least, the young un believed to be the case. I had difficulty getting the photos I wanted for this critter would always turn to keep his rearward side facing towards me. This area of the porky has extensive quillwork. The porcupine expands his arsenal through muscular work. In other words the quills are aimed towards an attacker.

We played the game for a time until I just set still and talked to the animal. After some time the porky began to maintain a trust or curious level to look at me, however, the war package was always engaged for action.

The Porcupine climbed a Sassafras tree to get higher than anything on the ground. This is another defensive tactic. CLIMB!